Animals are a lot more like humans than we think. We share the same types of rituals. Especially when it comes to birth.
Lots of humans will mark the birth of a child with a baby shower or some kind of festivities where loved ones come together to celebrate the new life.
And it seems that elephants are no different. When a baby elephant is born, the entire herd gathers around and makes sure to protect the elephant while it’s young.
A group of people on safari at the Chobe National Park were able to witness the amazing birth of a local elephant.
They just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Females often give birth to one calf at a time, unless they have twins which is rare. They give birth about every five years and mate until they are 50-years-old, according to Sciencing.
Their pregnancy lasts up to 23 months which is much longer than humans and most other animals.
Their labor can last for several days.
Like humans, their labor pains increase as labor continues. Most elephants give birth at night. This way they can give birth in an undisturbed environment. Some female elephants will even try to interrupt their birth to avoid having their baby during the day or at early dawn.
But the people on safari got to witness a day birth.
“On a safari drive in Chobe National Park, we witnessed a pregnant elephant giving birth,” wrote David Xing who uploaded the video of the elephant birth to YouTube. “This was unplanned and our group happened to be at the right time at the right place. Post birth celebration and protection from potential prey by the elephant herd is spectacular!”
The female elephant is shown delivering her baby who drops to the ground.
The baby’s fluid sac immediately bursts upon impact with the floor and the baby slides out.
The little baby then tries to get his footing and stand with the help of his mom. Babies are usually able to stand within an hour of being born.
It isn’t long before the heard starts to walk over. They then huddle around the new calf. They do this to protect the child from danger.
Larger elephants aren’t really vulnerable to predators like lions and tigers because of their size.
But baby elephants are since they are a lot smaller. So, the herd encircles their young as a form of protection. You can witness this amazing miracle below.
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